U.S. patent application number 15/225801 was filed with the patent office on 2017-05-11 for system and methods for power generation.
The applicant listed for this patent is Bluvert Technologies Ltd.. Invention is credited to Don Macdonald.
Application Number | 20170133852 15/225801 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58663866 |
Filed Date | 2017-05-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170133852 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Macdonald; Don |
May 11, 2017 |
SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR POWER GENERATION
Abstract
A power generation system can include a variable speed
generation module with a variable speed generator coupled to an
AC-DC converter, a power module, an energy management system
coupled to the variable speed generation module and the power
module, a fixed speed generator, a DC bus wherein the variable
speed generation module is coupled to a DC bus via the AC-DC
converter, and the power module is coupled to the DC bus via the
DC-DC converter and via the DC-AC converter, and an AC bus wherein
the fixed speed generator is coupled to the AC bus via a breaker
and the AC bus is coupled to the DC bus via the DC-AC converter of
the power module wherein the energy management system adjusts the
electrical power output of the variable speed generator, the fixed
speed generator, and the energy storage unit.
Inventors: |
Macdonald; Don; (Surrey,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bluvert Technologies Ltd. |
Surrey |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
58663866 |
Appl. No.: |
15/225801 |
Filed: |
August 1, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62199958 |
Jul 31, 2015 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02J 3/386 20130101;
H02J 7/34 20130101; H02K 7/1815 20130101; H02J 3/382 20130101; Y02E
10/563 20130101; H02J 2300/28 20200101; H02J 5/00 20130101; Y02E
10/56 20130101; H02J 3/387 20130101; Y02E 10/763 20130101; H02J
2300/10 20200101; H02J 3/381 20130101; H02J 3/38 20130101; H02J
2300/20 20200101; Y02E 10/76 20130101; H02J 3/388 20200101; H02J
2300/24 20200101; H02J 3/383 20130101; H02J 2300/30 20200101 |
International
Class: |
H02J 3/38 20060101
H02J003/38; H02J 5/00 20060101 H02J005/00; H02P 7/06 20060101
H02P007/06; H02M 7/04 20060101 H02M007/04; H02M 7/44 20060101
H02M007/44; H02K 7/18 20060101 H02K007/18; H02M 3/04 20060101
H02M003/04 |
Claims
1. A power generation system comprising: a. a variable speed
generation module with a variable speed generator coupled to an
AC-DC converter; b. a power module comprising: i. an energy storage
unit coupled to a DC-DC converter; and ii. a DC-AC converter, c. an
energy management system coupled to said variable speed generation
module and said power module; d. a fixed speed generator; e. a DC
bus wherein said variable speed generation module is coupled to
said DC bus via said AC-DC converter, and said power module is
coupled to said DC bus via said DC-DC converter and via said DC-AC
converter; and f. an AC bus wherein said fixed speed generator is
coupled to said AC bus via a breaker, and said AC bus is coupled to
said DC bus via said DC-AC converter of said power module, wherein
said energy management system adjusts the electrical power output
of said variable speed generator, said fixed speed generator, and
said energy storage unit.
2. The power generation system of claim 1 wherein said power
generation system supplies DC power to at least one of the group
consisting of a fixed DC load, a variable DC load, a motor, and
said DC-AC converter.
3. The power generation system of claim 1 wherein said power
generation system supplies AC power to an AC load directly from
said AC bus or via said DC-AC converter.
4. The power generation system of claim 1 wherein said energy
management system load-shares among said variable speed generator,
said fixed speed generator, and said energy storage unit.
5. The power generation system of claim 1 further comprising g. a
renewable energy source coupled to said DC bus.
6. The power generation system of claim 5 wherein renewable energy
source comprises at least one from the group consisting of a solar
energy source, a wind turbine; and a water turbine.
7. The power generation system of claim 1 further comprising g. an
alternative energy source coupled to said DC bus.
8. The power generation system of claim 7 wherein the alternative
energy source comprises at least one from the group consisting of a
fuel cell and an exhaust gas-driven turbine-generator.
9. The power generation system of claim 1 further comprising: g. an
interface to a utility grid, said interface coupled to said AC
bus.
10. The power generation system of claim 1 wherein said energy
storage unit comprises at least one from the group consisting of a
capacitor, an ultra-capacitor, and a battery.
11. The power generation system of claim 1 wherein said variable
speed generator is a permanent magnet generator.
12. The power generation system of claim 1 wherein said energy
management system operates said power generation system in island
mode.
13. The power generation system of claim 1 wherein said energy
management system operates said power generation system in
micro-grid mode.
14. The power generation system of claim 1 wherein said power
generation system charges said energy storage unit.
15. A method for operating a power generation system to generate
electrical power wherein said power generation system comprises: a.
a variable speed generation module with a variable speed generator
coupled to an AC-DC converter; b. a power module comprising: i. an
energy storage unit coupled to a DC-DC converter; and ii. a DC-AC
converter, c. an energy management system coupled to said variable
speed generation module and said power module; d. a fixed speed
generator; e. a DC bus wherein said variable speed generation
module is coupled to said DC bus via said AC-DC converter, and said
power module is coupled to said DC bus via said DC-DC converter and
via said DC-AC converter; and f. an AC bus wherein said fixed speed
generator is coupled to said AC bus via a breaker, and said AC bus
is coupled to said DC bus via said DC-AC converter of said power
module, wherein said energy management system adjusts the
electrical power output of said variable speed generator, said
fixed speed generator, and said energy storage unit; and wherein
said method comprises: a. adjusting a speed of said variable speed
generator to increase the fuel efficiency of said power generation
system.
16. The method of claim 15 further comprising: b. adjusting the
electrical power supplied by said energy storage unit in response
to detecting a step load change.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein adjusting the electrical power
supplied by said energy storage unit includes: i. monitoring a
speed of said variable speed generator; ii. monitoring a load on at
least one of an AC bus and a DC bus; iii. adjusting the speed of
said at least one variable speed generator, based at least in part
on said load; and iv. governing the rate at which power is drawn
from said energy storage unit, based at least in part on said
load.
18. The method of claim 15 further comprising: b. receiving a speed
error from said variable speed generator, said speed error based at
least in part on a difference between a commanded speed and a speed
feedback value; c. filtering said speed error to generate a
filtered speed error; d. receiving a DC bus voltage error based at
least in part on a difference between a nominal DC bus voltage and
a received DC bus voltage; e. selecting a control parameter based
at least in part on the lower of said filtered speed error and said
DC bus voltage error; f. receiving a variable speed generator error
based at least in part on a difference between a desired variable
speed generator load and a received load; g. combining said control
parameter and said variable speed generator error to generate a
current reference; and h. discharging said energy storage unit of
said power module based at least in part on said current
reference.
19. The method of claim 18 further comprising: i. charging said
energy storage unit after said discharging said energy storage
unit, said charging comprising; i. determining an available power
for charging based at least in part on a difference between a
preferred load capacity at the present speed of said variable speed
generator and a received load; ii. transforming said available
power for charging into a current reference limit; iii. receiving a
nominal source voltage error based at least in part on a difference
between a desired voltage for said energy storage unit and a
received voltage; iv. generating a current reference based at least
in part on said nominal source voltage error and said current
reference limit; and v. charging said energy storage unit of said
power module based at least in part on said current reference.
20. The method of claim 18 wherein filtering said speed error
utilizes a Savitzky-Golay filter.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claim priority benefits from U.S.
provisional patent application No. 62/199,958 filed on Jul. 31,
2015 entitled "System and Methods for Power Generation". The '958
application is incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present technique relates generally to systems and
methods for power generation, and more specifically, to power
generation systems with variable power generation and energy
storage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A power generation system can include a variable speed
generation module with a variable speed generator coupled to an
AC-DC converter; a power module (wherein the power module includes
an energy storage unit coupled to a DC-DC converter and a DC-AC
converter); an energy management system coupled to the variable
speed generation module and the power module; a fixed speed
generator; a DC bus wherein the variable speed generation module is
coupled to the DC bus via the AC-DC converter, and the power module
is coupled to the DC bus via the DC-DC converter and via the DC-AC
converter; and an AC bus wherein the fixed speed generator is
coupled to the AC bus via a breaker, and the AC bus is coupled to
the DC bus via the DC-AC converter of the power module. In some
embodiments, the energy management system adjusts the electrical
power output of the variable speed generator, the fixed speed
generator, and the energy storage unit.
[0004] In some embodiments, the power generation system supplies DC
power to at least one of a fixed DC load, a variable DC load, a
motor, and/or the DC-AC converter. In other or the same
embodiments, the power generation system supplies AC power to an AC
load directly from the AC bus or from the DC bus via the DC-AC
converter.
[0005] In certain embodiments, the energy management system
load-shares among the variable speed generator, the fixed speed
generator, and the energy storage unit.
[0006] A power generation system can also include a renewable
energy source coupled to the DC bus. The renewable energy source
can include a solar energy source, a wind turbine; and/or a water
turbine. A power generation system can also include an alternative
energy source coupled to the DC bus. The alternative energy source
can include a fuel cell; and/or an exhaust gas-driven
turbine-generator.
[0007] The power generation system can also include an interface to
a utility grid, wherein the interface is coupled to the AC bus.
[0008] In some embodiments, the energy storage unit includes at
least one of a capacitor, an ultra-capacitor, and/or a battery. In
certain embodiments, the variable speed generator is a permanent
magnet generator.
[0009] In at least some embodiments, the energy management system
operates the power generation system in island mode. In other, or
the same embodiments, the energy management system operates the
power generation system in micro-grid mode.
[0010] In some embodiments, the power generation system charges the
energy storage unit.
[0011] A method for operating a power generation system to generate
electrical power can include: adjusting a speed of the variable
speed generator to increase the fuel efficiency of the power
generation system; adjusting the electrical power supplied by the
energy storage unit in response to detecting a step load change;
receiving a speed error from the variable speed generator, the
speed error based at least in part on a difference between a
commanded speed and a speed feedback value; filtering the speed
error to generate a filtered speed error; receiving a DC bus
voltage error based at least in part on a difference between a
nominal DC bus voltage and a received DC bus voltage; selecting a
control parameter based at least in part on the lower of the
filtered speed error and the DC bus voltage error; receiving a
variable speed generator error based at least in part on a
difference between a desired variable speed generator load and a
received load; combining the control parameter and the variable
speed generator error to generate a current reference; discharging
the energy storage unit of the power module based at least in part
on the current reference; and/or charging the energy storage unit
after the discharging the energy storage unit.
[0012] Adjusting the electrical power supplied by the energy
storage unit can include monitoring a speed for the variable speed
generator; monitoring a load on at least one of an AC bus and a DC
bus; and/or governing the rate at which power is drawn from the
energy storage unit based at least in part on the load.
[0013] Charging the energy unit can include: determining an
available power for charging based at least in part on a difference
between a preferred load capacity at the present speed of the
variable speed generator and a received load; transforming the
available power for charging into a current reference limit;
receiving a nominal source voltage error based at least in part on
a difference between a desired voltage for the energy storage unit
and a received voltage; generating a current reference based at
least in part on the nominal source voltage error and the current
reference limit; and charging the energy storage unit of the power
module based at least in part on the current reference.
[0014] In some embodiments, filtering the speed error to generate a
filtered speed error includes filtering the speed error using a
Savitzky-Golay filter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a power generation system
according to a first illustrated embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a power generation system
according to a second illustrated embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a power generation system
according to a third illustrated embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a power generation system
according to a fourth illustrated embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a power generation system
according to a fifth illustrated embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 6A is a graph showing power plotted against speed for
an example variable speed engine, such as the variable speed engine
of FIGS. 1-5.
[0021] FIG. 6B is a graph showing Brake Specific Fuel Consumption
(BSFC) plotted against load for an example embodiment of a hybrid
power generation system such as the power generation system of FIG.
2.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a schematic illustrating PID control of the
discharge of an energy storage device, such as one of the energy
storage units of FIGS. 1-5, during large step loads.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a schematic illustrating PID control of the
charging of an energy storage device, such as one of the energy
storage units of FIGS. 1-5.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
[0024] AFE (Active Front End): actively converts between AC and DC
power and can provide output voltage regulation and AC input
harmonic reduction. An AFE is also referred to as an active
rectifier.
[0025] BSFC (Brake Specific Fuel Consumption): a measure of fuel
efficiency for a prime mover that burns fuel and produces
rotational power.
[0026] EMS (Energy Management System): a system of tools to
monitor, control and improve the performance of a power generation
system.
[0027] Fieldbus: a family of network protocols for real-time
distributed control (standardized as IEC 61158).
[0028] Genset: a combination of an electric generator and an
engine.
[0029] Inverter: A DC-AC converter. For example, a device that
converts direct current into alternating current. If the device is
bidirectional, then it can also act as a rectifier and can convert
alternating current into direct current.
[0030] Island Mode: Mode in which the variable speed generation
module operates standalone with no fixed speed generators
online.
[0031] J1939 communication interface: J1939 is a set of standards
defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), and the J1939
communication interface is a bus for communication and diagnostics
that is typically used in vehicles.
[0032] Micro-Grid Mode: Mode in which the power generation system
operates both variable speed and fixed speed generators at
preferred loading points, generally to achieve improved fuel
efficiency and reduced wear and tear on the engines. The mode also
can reduce the number of fixed speed generators required to meet a
given system capacity.
[0033] Peak Shaving: Reducing the amount of energy purchased from a
utility during peak hours when the costs are higher than at another
time.
[0034] PID (Proportional Integral Derivative) Controller: A control
loop feedback mechanism that calculates and attempts to minimize,
or at least reduce a difference between a measured value and a
desired setpoint.
[0035] PMG (Permanent Magnet Generator): A generator where at least
one permanent magnet provides the magnetic field of the rotor.
[0036] Savitzky-Golay filter: A digital filter, applied to a set of
digital data for the purpose of smoothing the data, that fits
successive sub-sets of adjacent data points with a low-degree
polynomial using the method of linear least squares.
[0037] THD (Total Harmonic Distortion): The ratio of the sum of the
powers of all harmonic components to the power of the fundamental
frequency. THD is a measure of the power quality of electric power
systems.
[0038] Variable Speed Generator: A generator that can run at a
variable speed, generally as required to meet a given load.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0039] Power generation systems can be used to provide electrical
power, including AC and DC power, for off-grid applications at
remote sites. In some examples the power generation systems provide
power for drilling and pumping operations at oil wells. A hybrid
system comprising one or more engine-driven generators and energy
storage, such as one or more battery banks, capacitor banks, or
other suitable energy storage media, can be used to provide a
reliable source of energy. Renewable energy sources, and/or other
energy sources such as fuel cells, can also be used in the hybrid
system as an alternative and/or secondary power source.
[0040] A variable speed generator can be driven by an engine
operating at an engine speed selected to meet the power demands of
the load. Advantages of controlling engine speed to meet the load
requirement can include improved performance, longer engine life,
reduced fuel consumption, lower emissions, and reduced noise
compared to a fixed speed generator. A power generation system can
be operated using an energy management system comprising technology
for monitoring, controlling, improving, and/or optimizing system
performance.
[0041] A hybrid variable speed/fixed speed power generation system
with energy storage and energy management and corresponding methods
for controlling hybrid power generation is described below.
[0042] Benefits of the hybrid variable speed/fixed speed power
generation system with energy storage and energy management and
corresponding methods for controlling hybrid power generation
include reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions, achieved by
increasing efficiency and reducing the reliance on fixed speed
diesel generators.
[0043] In at least one embodiment, the system comprises one or more
variable speed generators and one or more fixed speed generators.
The variable speed and fixed speed generators can be part of
variable speed gensets and fixed speed gensets, respectively.
[0044] The variable speed gensets can each include a power source
configured to operate at a variable rotor speed to provide
responsive power to a load. The energy storage can be configured to
store excess power and discharge power, as desired.
[0045] At least some variable speed generators can provide power to
a common DC bus via an AC-DC converter. At least some fixed speed
generators can provide power to the AC Bus. An energy storage unit
is connected to the common DC bus via a DC-DC converter. A motor
can be connected to the common DC bus via an AC-DC converter. An
alternative power source, such as a fuel cell or an exhaust
gas-driven turbine-generator, can also be connected to the DC bus
via a DC-DC converter or an AC-DC converter, as appropriate. A
renewable power source, such as a wind turbine, can also be
connected to the common DC bus via an AC-DC converter or a DC-DC
converter. In some embodiments, other types of power sources in
addition to those specifically named can be connected to the common
DC bus via an AC-DC converter or a DC-DC converter. Similarly, in
other or the same embodiments, other types of power sources in
addition to those specifically named can be connected to an AC
bus.
[0046] The hybrid power generation system comprises a controller,
known as an energy management system, communicatively coupled to
the variable speed and fixed speed gensets, and the energy storage.
The energy management system can improve, or optimize, system
efficiency for different load profiles. In some embodiments, this
is accomplished, at least in part, by utilizing the wide operating
range of the variable speed generator to keep the fixed speed
generator operating at a preferred, or optimal, load point.
[0047] The generators can be controlled to allow the energy storage
unit to charge when there is excess power available.
[0048] The energy management system can adjust the power provided
by the variable speed generator to meet the load requirements, and
can start up/shut down the fixed speed generator. The energy
management system can also control the use of the energy storage as
a temporary source of power when the fixed speed generator is
starting up.
[0049] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of power generation system 100,
according to a first illustrated embodiment.
[0050] Power generation system 100 comprises energy management
system 110, variable speed engine 120, variable speed generation
module 130, and power module 140.
[0051] Energy management system (EMS) 110 controls variable speed
engine 120, variable speed generation module 130, and power module
140 via interfaces 111, 112, and 113, respectively. In at least one
embodiment, EMS 110 controls variable speed engine 120 via a J1939
communication interface, and controls variable speed generator
module 130 and power module 140 via a Fieldbus interface.
[0052] Variable speed engine 120 is operatively connected to
variable speed generation module 130. In at least one embodiment,
variable speed engine 120 is a diesel engine.
[0053] Variable speed generation module 130 comprises variable
speed generator 132 and inverter 134.
[0054] In at least one embodiment, variable speed generator 132 is
a permanent magnet generator (PMG). In other embodiments, variable
speed generator 132 can be other suitable generators. In at least
one embodiment, inverter 134 is replaced by an active front end
(AFE). Inverter 134 can be beneficial when variable speed generator
132 is a PMG or an induction generator. An AFE can be beneficial
when variable speed generator 132 is a self-excited synchronous
generator.
[0055] Power generation system 100 further comprises DC bus 160.
Inverter 134 comprises an AC-DC converter. Inverter 134 converts
variable voltage, variable frequency input to a fixed voltage DC
for output to DC bus 160. In at least one embodiment, DC bus is in
the range of 900 V to 1,000 V, for example 911 V. As indicated by
arrow A, energy can flow in both directions between AFE 134 and DC
bus 160.
[0056] Power generation system 100 provides DC power to motor 162
via DC bus 160 and DC-AC converter 164. In some embodiments, motor
162 can be a fan. Motor 162 can be one of the primary loads on a
drilling rig. Power generation system 100 provides DC power to
fixed and variable DC loads via DC bus 160 and DC-DC converter
168.
[0057] Power module 140 comprises DC-AC converter 142, DC-DC
converter 144 and energy storage units 146. In some embodiments,
energy storage units 146 comprise at least one storage capacitor.
In other embodiments, energy storage units 146 can comprise at
least one of ultra-capacitors and/or batteries. In yet other
embodiments, energy storage units 146 can comprise a
motor/generator and flywheel combination and/or a motor/generator
and compressed air combination, operatively connectable to DC bus
160 via a DC-AC inverter (not shown in FIG. 1).
[0058] As indicated by arrow C, energy can flow in both directions
between DC bus 160 and energy storage units 146 via DC-DC converter
144. DC-DC converter 144 charges and discharges energy storage
units 146.
[0059] EMS 110 controls power module 140 to supply energy to DC bus
160 via DC-DC converter 144. Under the control of EMS 110, system
100 can supply power to energy storage units 146 from at least one
of variable speed generator 132 and AC bus 150.
[0060] Power generation system 100 further comprises AC bus 150 and
customer AC loads, such as loads 152 and 154. As indicated by arrow
B, energy can flow in both directions between DC bus 160 and AC bus
150 via DC-AC converter 142. In at least one mode of operation,
DC-AC converter 142 provides AC power to AC bus 150. DC-AC
converter 142 can provide fixed voltage, fixed frequency AC. In
some embodiments, DC-AC converter 142 can provide 600 V, 60 Hz,
power to AC bus 150 with less than 5% THD. In some embodiments,
example implementation, DC-AC converter 142 can provide power to AC
bus 150 with 5% THD or greater.
[0061] Power generation system 100 operates in island mode. EMS 110
controls system 100 by controlling variable speed engine 120,
variable speed generation module 130 and power module 140.
[0062] EMS 110 can monitor and manage customer AC loads 152 and
154, if desired. EMS 110 can also monitor and manage motor 162 and
customer DC loads 166, if desired.
[0063] Power module 140 of FIG. 1 is shown in conjunction with
variable speed generation module 130 as part of system 100. In
other embodiments, power module 140 can operate as a standalone
unit without being operatively connected to variable speed
generation module 130.
[0064] Power module 140 can supply large amounts of power in a
short time to support DC bus 160, which in turn supports AC bus
150. Power module 140 can provide the equivalent of a rotating
reserve to DC bus 160, even if variable speed generator 132 is
off-line.
[0065] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of power generation system 200,
according to a second illustrated embodiment.
[0066] Power generation system 200 comprises the elements of power
generation 100. Power generation system 200 further comprises at
least one fixed speed engine such as fixed speed engines 170 and
171. Fixed speed engines 170 and 171 are operatively connected to
fixed speed generators 172 and 173, respectively. Fixed speed
generators 172 and 173 provide power to AC bus 150 via breakers 174
and 175, respectively.
[0067] EMS 110 controls fixed speed engines 170 and 171 via
interfaces 114 and 115, respectively. EMS 110 controls fixed speed
generators 172 and 173, for example by start and stop commands.
Loading of fixed speed generators 172 and 173 can be accomplished
by monitoring the load on AC bus 150, and adding to AC bus 150, or
subtracting from AC bus 150, power supplied by variable speed
generator module 130 via power module 140. In this way, system 200
maintains a preferred, or optimal, load efficiency for most, if not
all, connected generators.
[0068] EMS 110 can switch power generation system 200 between
island mode and micro-grid mode, according to system operation. In
micro-grid mode, EMS 110 can blend operation of variable speed and
fixed speed generators, generally to provide improved or optimal
loading of the fixed speed generators.
[0069] System 200 can control the load on the fixed speed
generators by the degree to which it augments power on AC bus 150
using variable speed generator 132 and/or the energy storage units
146.
[0070] In one example power generation system 200 has a total
customer load of 2 MW. Variable speed generator 132 has a capacity
of 1 MW. Fixed speed generators 172 and 173 also each have a
capacity of 1 MW, and a preferred, or optimal, load of 850 kW.
Operating each fixed speed generator at its optimal load of 850 kW
would require variable speed generator 132 to provide the balance
of 300 kW.
[0071] EMS 110 adjusts the loading of the variable and fixed speed
generators to reduce brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC). In
some embodiments, it can be more efficient to operate the fixed
speed generators each at 800 kW and the variable speed generator at
400 kW.
[0072] If the load reduces from 2 MW to 1.8 MW, for example, then
fixed speed generator 173 can be shut down, and fixed speed
generator 172 run at its preferred load of 850 kW, with variable
speed generator 132 run at a load of 950 kW. Alternatively, in some
embodiments, it can be more efficient to run fixed speed generator
172 at a load of 900 kW and to run variable speed generator 132 at
a load of 900 kW. In yet another alternative scenario, EMS 110 can
shut down variable speed generator 132 and run both fixed speed
generators at a load of 900 kW each.
[0073] A benefit of energy storage units 146 is that power
generation system 200 can have less spinning reserve. Stored energy
can be used, if needed, until system 200 brings another generator
online. Power module 140 allows system 200 to operate as an
uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
[0074] In some cases, system 200 can be used to recycle regenerated
power for highly cyclical loads such as active heave winches.
Overhauling load energy from AC bus 150 and DC bus 160 can be sent
to energy storage units 146, and then re-used when the load(s)
become motoring. For example, overhauling load energy from motor
162 can be sent to energy storage units 146 via DC-AC converter
(inverter) 164, DC bus 160 and DC-DC converter 144. The overhauling
load energy can then be re-used when the load becomes motoring.
[0075] In another example the load can increase from 1.8 MW to 2.2
MW when variable speed generator 132 is shut down (offline). The
combined capacity of fixed speed generators 172 and 173 is only 2
MW which leaves a shortfall of 200 kW. EMS 110 can control system
100 such that the shortfall is supplied by stored energy from
energy storage units 146 until another generator (either variable
speed generator 132 or a third fixed speed generator not shown in
FIG. 2) comes online.
[0076] Once variable speed generator 132 or the third fixed speed
generator is online, fixed speed generators 172 and 173 can return
to their preferred loading of 850 kW each.
[0077] In other embodiments, variable speed generator 132 of FIG. 1
can be omitted from power generation system 200, such that power
generation is provided by fixed speed generators only.
[0078] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of power generation system 300,
according to a third illustrated embodiment.
[0079] Power generation system 300 comprises the elements of power
generation system 200. Variable speed engine 120, variable speed
generation module 130, variable speed generator 132, and inverter
134 of FIG. 1, have been re-labeled 120a, 130a, 132a, and 134a,
respectively. Power generation system 300 further comprises second
variable speed engine 120b, second variable speed generation module
130b, second variable speed generator 132b, and second inverter
134b.
[0080] EMS 110 controls variable speed engine 120b and variable
speed generation module 130b via interfaces 118 and 119,
respectively.
[0081] EMS 110 can control system 300 such that the load is shared
efficiently between variable speed generators 120a and 120b, as
well as between the variable and fixed speed generators. Power
module 140 can provide support for multiple variable speed
generators and thereby minimize, or at least reduce, the loading on
the fixed speed generators.
[0082] A benefit of power module 140 is that electrical generators
on fixed speed generators 172 and 173 can be sized more modestly.
For example, a 1 MW generator, conventionally sized to provide 1.25
MVA, can be fitted with a smaller electrical generator. It can also
be used at close to unity power factor which reduces I.sup.2R
losses in the windings and reduces field excitation losses, further
improving efficiency of power generation system 300.
[0083] Power generation systems 100, 200, and 300 respectively
support integration with optional renewable energy sources such as
wind, water, and solar.
[0084] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of power generation system 400,
according to a fourth illustrated embodiment. Power generation
system 400 comprises the elements of power generation system 300.
Power generation system 400 further comprises solar or fuel cell
energy source 180 and corresponding DC-DC converter 182 for
supplying DC power to DC bus 160. Power generation system 400
further comprises wind/water or exhaust gas-driven
turbine-generator 184 and corresponding variable speed generator
186 and AFE 188 for supplying DC power to DC bus 160.
[0085] Under the control of EMS 110, system 400 can supply power to
energy storage units 146 from at least one of variable speed
generator 132, fixed speed generators 172 and 173, AC bus 150 and
renewable and/or alternative energy sources such as wind/water or
exhaust gas-driven turbine-generator 184 and solar or fuel cell
energy source 180.
[0086] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of power generation system 500,
according to a fifth illustrated embodiment.
[0087] Power generation system 500 comprises the elements of power
generation system 400. Power generation system 500 further
comprises a connection of AC bus 150 to grid 190 via breaker 176.
As indicated by arrow H, energy flows in both directions across the
connection of AC bus 150 to grid 190. In some embodiments, grid 190
can supply energy to AC bus 150 and vice versa.
[0088] EMS 110 can monitor and manage the connection to grid 190.
System 500 can operate in island mode, micro-grid mode and
conventional AFE mode. In the latter mode, system 500 exports power
to grid 190.
[0089] A benefit of system 500 is that it provides an opportunity
for peak shaving. System 500 can adjust the amount of power drawn
from grid 190, including, for example, supplementing power from
grid 190 with power from other elements of system 500, such as
variable and fixed speed generators, energy storage and renewable
energy sources.
[0090] EMS 110 of systems 100-500 of FIGS. 1-5, respectively,
executes at least one method for operating systems 100-500. The
various methods can be chosen: [0091] a) to operate variable speed
generator 120 (or generators 120a and 120b) for improved, or
optimal, fuel efficiency; [0092] b) to respond to high step load
changes by supplementing power via energy storage units 146; [0093]
c) to reduce, or minimize, the use of stored energy by governing
the rate at which supplemental energy is supplied during conditions
in which the system is under transient load demand; [0094] d) to
increase, or optimize, the rate of charging of energy storage units
146; [0095] e) to maintain improved, or optimal, loading on fixed
speed generators 172 and 173; and/or [0096] f) to maintain high
quality power on the AC Bus (for example, to reduce, or minimize,
voltage deviation and frequency deviation during transient load
conditions).
[0097] FIG. 6A is a graph showing power plotted against speed for
an example variable speed engine, such as variable speed engine 120
of FIGS. 1-5. Load curve 610 is a plot of load capacity against
speed for a generator i.e. a plot of the maximum load at a given
engine speed. Load curve 610 can be specific to an engine and
provided by the engine's manufacturer. Ideal BSFC load curve 620 is
a plot of the load at which the generator is most fuel-efficient
for a given speed. In some embodiments, BSFC curve 620 is derived
from the fuel map. In some embodiments, BSFC curve 620 is derived
from testing.
[0098] Load curve 610 and BSFC curve 620 are inputs to EMS 110 and
can be used in at least one method to obtain a preferred, or
optimum, speed at which to run a variable speed generator given the
present loading requirements of the system. The method can be
selected to maintain a fuel-efficient speed in a variety of
conditions while keeping the system stable.
[0099] The system tracks the present load relative to load curve
610 and BSFC curve 620. The system defines dead-band 630 on either
side of ideal BSFC curve 620 within which changes in load do not
trigger a change in speed of the variable speed generator.
Dead-band 630 comprises upper bound 632 and lower bound 634. An
advantage of dead-band 630 is to prevent, or at least reduce, a
response by the system to small load changes. Another advantage of
dead-band 630 is that the system can operate more efficiently
without making frequent speed changes in response to small load
changes.
[0100] When a load change occurs, and the load is outside dead-band
630, the system responds by determining a new speed for the
variable speed generator. The system commands the generator to
adjust its speed to the new speed. The response can be supplemented
by discharging at least one of the energy storage units.
[0101] FIG. 6B is a graph showing Brake Specific Fuel Consumption
(BSFC) plotted against load for an example embodiment of a hybrid
power generation system such as power generation system of 200 FIG.
2.
[0102] Curve 650 shows BSFC versus load for a fixed speed generator
such as fixed speed generator 172 of FIG. 2. In the example shown
in FIG. 6B, it can be desirable to maintain operation of the fixed
speed generator at a load of about 400 kW to 600 kW. Curve 660
shows BSFC versus load for a variable speed generator such as
variable speed generator 132 of FIG. 2. Curve 670 shows effective
BSFC versus load for a combination of a fixed speed generator such
as fixed speed generator 172 of FIG. 2 and a variable speed
generator such as variable speed generator 132 of FIG. 2. FIG. 6B
illustrates the lower fuel consumption over the range of loads for
the hybrid power generation system such as power generation system
200 of FIG. 2.
[0103] FIG. 7 is a schematic illustrating PID control of the
discharge of an energy storage device, such as one of energy
storage units 146 of FIGS. 1-5, during large step loads.
[0104] When a large step load change occurs, a diesel engine,
unable to respond immediately, will experience a drop in speed. If
the drop in speed is too great, the diesel engine will stall. Speed
error PID 710 monitors the drop in speed and uses a modified PID
control method to generate a signal to module 740.
[0105] Speed error PID 710 can use unfiltered values for the input
speed. Alternatively, the input values can be filtered. Since the
input values can be noisy, it can be desirable to filter the values
sufficiently to reduce noise without unduly affecting the ability
of the system to respond to step load changes in a timely fashion.
In at least one embodiment, a Savitsky-Golay filter is used to
filter speed values. In other embodiments, other suitable filters
can be used to reduce noise.
[0106] In response to the large step load change, the AC-DC
converter, responsible for converting AC power into power for the
DC bus, can have insufficient energy to maintain the DC bus
voltage, resulting in a drop in DC bus voltage. DC bus voltage
error PID 720 monitors the drop in DC bus voltage and uses a
modified PID control method to generate a signal to module 740.
[0107] Module 740 selects the lower of the two input signals and
passes it to adder 745. Since the signal is positive to charge and
negative to discharge, the lower of the two input signals is the
one that asks for the greater amount of power (i.e. the greater
discharge from the energy storage units).
[0108] At adder 745, the signal is moderated by signal from
variable speed generator (VSG) loading error PID 730. The method
illustrated in FIG. 7 allows the system to respond quickly to the
large step load change while maintaining sufficient load on the VSG
to avoid, or at least reduce the likelihood of, over-discharging
the energy storage units.
[0109] PID 730 receives a desired VSG load and a measured VSG load,
and generates an error based on the difference between the desired
and the measured VSG loads. PID 730 uses a modified PID control
method to generate a signal sent to adder 745.
[0110] The system inputs the summed signal to DC-DC converter 750
attached to the energy storage units, and DC-DC converter 750
provides a determined amount of discharge in response to the step
load change.
[0111] Once the energy storage units have depleted some of their
charge, and the system is within dead-band 630 of ideal BSFC load
curve 620 of FIG. 6, then the system re-charges the energy storage
units. The charging is accomplished by increasing the load on the
VSG without increasing the speed of the VSG. The system uses the
margin between the BSFC curve and the load curve to increase VSG
load without increasing speed.
[0112] Referring again to FIG. 6, the margin between load curve 610
and BSFC curve 620 becomes smaller as the speed increases, so, at
higher speeds, the system has less capacity to charge the energy
storage units. The system determines a current reference charge
limit by first selecting a load value between load curve 610 and
BSFC curve 620, and then translating the available load into a
limiting value for the current reference. FIG. 6 shows available
load curve 640. Determining and applying a current reference charge
limit is particularly beneficial at higher loads and higher
speeds.
[0113] FIG. 7 is a schematic illustrating PID control of the
charging of an energy storage device, such as one of energy storage
units 146 of FIGS. 1-5. In module 710, the system determines the
available power for charging and the current reference limit.
Nominal source voltage error PID 720 receives a desired capacitor
voltage and a measured capacitor voltage, calculates an error, and
uses a modified PID control method to determine the current
reference. The current reference, in this case, is positive because
the system is charging. The limited current reference is sent to
the DC-DC converter at 740.
[0114] While particular elements, embodiments and applications of
the present invention have been shown and described, it will be
understood, that the invention is not limited thereto since
modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without
departing from the scope of the present disclosure, particularly in
light of the foregoing teachings.
* * * * *